Providence School Board Member Urges No Contract Extension for Superintendent
GoLocalProv News Team
Providence School Board Member Urges No Contract Extension for Superintendent
“With ongoing legal discussions regarding the potential return of the district to local control after the 25/26 school year, it is crucial that the Providence School Board regains full authority and oversight over the district. This includes having the ability to make informed decisions regarding the Superintendent and his contract, or even the ability to hire a new superintendent, which the School Board, and no other government office, will have the authority to do,” said Stephens.
The state took over the Providence Schools in 2019.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“Given these circumstances, I also recommend that no administrative positions from Assistant Principal and up be extended beyond the 25/26 school year. This will ensure that if the Board hypothetically wanted to bring in a new Superintendent, the incoming administration will have the opportunity to make appropriate and effective decisions for the future of our schools,” added Stephens.
Providence schools' test scores have continued to suffer under state control and rank lower than pre-COVID scores.
"The Providence School Board, after the November 5th election and Mayor Brett Smiley’s appointments with the approval of the Providence City Council, will and should be the front runners, championing the transition work from the state intervention to local control with the collaboration of the Mayor and his transition team. Ultimately, the Providence School Board will have final say over the operations of the School District," says Stephens.
Montañez was named superintendent after a number of candidates refused the job and his predecessor, Providence Schools Superintendent Harrison Peters, was forced out.
Stephens is presently a candidate for Providence School Board Region 5.